Week 7 of the NLL season was the busiest week yet, with seven games taking place. With every NLL team seeing at least one game of action this past week, NLL rookies where on full display. First overall pick in 2014, Ben McIntosh continues to separate himself from the rest of his draft class and fellow rookies, as his back to back four point games this past week allowed the Rush to go 2-0 and leap frog the Colorado Mammoth for 1st place in the West. Miles Thompson who has been the most publicized rookie this season had an off week, as his Minnesota Swarm where dominated in back to back games by the Toronto Rock. Robert Hope and Eli McLaughlin of the Colorado Mammoth continue to show zero evidence they are currently toiling in their first NLL season. While the likes of Shane MacDonald and Will O’Brien of the Minnesota Swarm and New England Black Wolves, engaged in highly publicized fights this past weekend. Week 7 was one to talk about in the NLL, and here’s how the rookies faired.
1. Ben McIntosh (O) – Edmonton Rush
McIntosh was huge for the Rush in both of their defeats over the Colorado Mammoth this past weekend. McIntosh’s successful weekend helped the Rush leapfrog the Colorado Mammoth for first place in the West Division. With a goal and 3 assists in Friday nights 11-7 road win, and 2 goals and 2 assist in Sunday’s 13-7 home win, McIntosh now has 14 goals & 15 assists for 29 points in his first 6 games in the NLL. McIntosh also picked up 7 loose balls this past weekend and his 29 points place him 2nd in team scoring behind only Mark Mathews.
2. Robert Hope (D) – Colorado Mammoth
Its not often you find a defender, who’s team lost back to back games have such an impactful week. But Robert Hope continues to shine defensively for the Mammoth. Despite dropping games by scores of 11-7 & 13-7 to the Edmonton Rush this past weekend, Hope was able to scoop 11 loose balls and create 6 turnovers during the 2 game span. Hope currently sits in 5th on the Mammoth in loose balls and is tied with Joey Cupido for the team lead in created turnovers.
3. Miles Thompson (O) – Minnesota Swarm
Thompson had a quite weekend for the Swarm, who where dominated by the Toronto Rock in back to back games. While Thompson was still able to pick up a goal and 4 assists for 5 points, spanning the two encounters with the Rock, he was largely kept in check by a physical, athletic Rock defense. Thompson’s most noteworthy stat this past week was the 5 minute high sticking penalty he received on Saturday night, which ultimately killed any building momentum the Swarm had. Thompson scooped 6 loose balls this weekend, and overall his 25 points in 7 games place him third in Swarm team scoring, in 2nd behind only Ben McIntosh in rookie scoring.
4. Eli McLaughlin (O) – Colorado Mammoth
The Mammoth where defeated in back to back games against the Edmonton Rush this past weekend, and while McLaughlin was for the most part kept in check offensively, he did still manage to pick up a goal and 2 assists for 3 points over the weekend. McLaughlin has found his role with in the Mammoth offense, as a role player, depth lefty, at least for the time being. An while he’s been used to the big minutes throughout his junior career, McLaughlin seems to be taking on his new role in stride and contributing when he can. McLaughlin’s 15 points in 6 games place him 5th on Mammoth team scoring.
5. Shane MacDonald (O) – Minnesota Swarm
Despite appearing in just one of the Swarm’s two games this past weekend, MacDonald was impactful in his home province debut on Saturdaynight, as he racked up a goal, an assist and a fight in the Swarm’s loss to the Toronto Rock. MacDonald played with grit and determination throughout the game, showing a willingness to do what it takes to stay in the lineup. While he’s known for his cannon of an outside shot, his offensive chances where limited on Saturday night. Look for MacDonald to see more action with the Swarm as he looked very good on Saturdaynight.
6. Brandon Goodwin (T) – Buffalo Bandits
Goodwin continues to be a mainstay in the Bandits active lineup, and that trend should this weekend as the Bandits head into Rochester for a matchup with the Knighthawks. This past weekend Goodwin was able to rack up a goal, a loose ball and one created turnover in the Bandits 15-10 loss to Rochester. In 8 games this season, Goodwin has recorded 3 goals and 2 assists for 5 points, along with 12 loose balls and 2 created turnovers.
7. Mark Cockerton (O) – New England Black Wolves
The 5’10, 185 pound Oshawa, Ontario native got into his second NLL game this weekend, after impressing during his NLL debut against the Edmonton Rush on January 30th. While Cockerton didn’t post gaudy numbers in his second NLL game, he was able to find the back of the net on one occasion in the Black Wolves 15-10 loss to the Rochester Knighthawks. Cockerton’s athleticism and offensive ability should keep him in the lineup this Friday, when the Black Wolves head into the Air Canada Centre to take on the 1st place Toronto Rock.
8. Jerome Thompson (O) – Buffalo Bandits
Thompson didn’t reach the score sheet offensively this past weekend for the Bandits, as the Rochester defense kept Buffalo in check for the most part. However Thompson continues to prove pundits wrong and continuously shows he belonged in the NLL a long time ago. Scooping 5 loose balls this past weekend, Thompson now has 19 on the season, to go along with 12 points in 6 games.
9. Conrad Chapman (D) – Vancouver Stealth
Since making his NLL debut on January 17th against the Buffalo Bandits, Chapman has become a mainstay on the Stealth defense core, and for good reason. The 6’6, 230 pound Prince George, BC native has thrived at the defensive end of the floor for the Stealth, using his size and intelligence to become one of the teams better defenders. He’s also contributed at the offensive end of the floor, picking up a goal and an assist for 2 points in 4 games. This past weekend Chapman picked up 4 penalty minutes and 2 loose balls in the Stealth’s 13-9 win over Calgary.
10. Sam Bradman (T) – Minnesota Swarm
Bradman continues to look more an more comfortable in the box lacrosse game, after transitioning from the field game, where he was an offensive star. While he still has some holes to his game, his athleticism, speed and excellent ability to scoop loose balls has proved valuable to the Swarm defense core. This past weekend Bradman appeared in both games against the Toronto Rock, scooping 2 loose balls and racking up 2 penalty minutes.
